Crocodile Threat to villages

Officials of the state forest department have told residents of riverside villages to be cautious while venturing into the water bodies. Estuarine crocodiles are straying into creeks and rivulets near the human habitation. This has led to the outbreak of crocodile-man conflict in several areas near the Bhitarkanika National Park.

Around 34 villages have been identified as crocodile-infested zones. Local sarpanchs and panchayat representatives have been instructed to alert the villagers. Sections of the villages’ bathing ghats have been barricaded with bamboo fences.

We are living in constant threat of crocodile attacks. We live areas that are criss-crossed by water bodies.

Since past one month, no report of crocodile attack has been reported. However, the department has received reports of crocodiles making their way into the village-side water bodies. Though the breeding season of these animals conclude by the end of monsoon, crocodile-man conflicts often reach a flashpoint in the peripheral areas of the sanctuary during winter. The sanctuary is home to 1,644 adult and juvenile crocodiles.